Tomoyo looked to the speaker. Some meetings happen in their own time, she thought. A broad shouldered young man with piercing brown eyes and unruly hair of the same color lounged against the lockers, school bag slung casually over one shoulder. A strong jaw complemented a bemused expression. His uniform looked like it had been tailored for his physique. It's Syaoran, she concluded. He's back in Japan, after five years. Tomoyo knitted her brow. But why didn't he write? Sakura's agonized over him all this time. Even more curious, why didn't he stop by upon his return?
It's Syaoran, Sakura thought, her heart skipping a
beat. He has that quiet confidence,
like the first time we met. This time
though, I know the boy behind those deep brown eyes. She gave him another once over. Tomoyo's right, puberty had done wonders for this boy. He's grown, and definitely taller than
me. Still at a kissable
distance... Sakura blushed. Where did that
thought come from? She suddenly became
very self-conscious of her own appearance. Nervous worries flew through her head. Is my hair a mess? Please, let
there be no food in my teeth. Can my
face get any hotter?
"So," Syaoran inquired, as his voice stole her from
further musings, "who are you two, and why do have my schedule?"
Sakura and Tomoyo looked at each other, momentarily
speechless. Recovering their composure,
their gaze returned back to the young man, as they said in unison, "What! Don't you recognize us!"
"Umm," Syaoran reflected for a moment, "no."
Sakura reached for the gold chain around her
neck. "Remember this," she asked,
dangling a pendant in front of his face.
Syaoran's eyes narrowed as he focused on the magic
key, and then recognition washed across his face. "Kinomoto-san, Mistress of the Cards, and…and Daidouji-san, loyal
videographer, here, here in Japan…imagine that," he said somewhat flustered
over this unexpected development, "wait, we're in the same high school,
right? That's great…so…great, umm…I
guess since we go to the same high school I'll be seeing you two around." He bowed quickly to both Sakura and Tomoyo,
then began a backwards retreat down the hallway. "Err…I'm late for my last class, say hi to Kero!" Syaoran quickly disappeared down the
corridor.
***
Sakura lay on her beanbag, strangling a pillow. "Kinomoto-san?" Sakura said, throwing a
puzzled look to Tomoyo perched on her bed, "he said Kinomoto-san."
"Sakura," Tomoyo replied, in a comforting tone, "he
didn't even recognize us initially. Probably thought he was confronting two female stalkers. After all, we didn't introduce
ourselves. You just shoved that magic
key in his face. Not something a guy
expects to run into every day, even if the guy in question is Syaoran Li. So Sakura, Um, Sakura." Tomoyo could tell she wasn't listening, just
twisting her pillow into something resembling a thick rope, still muttering, "…
he called me Kinomoto-san… I can't believe he called me…" She watched the spectacle for a few more
moments. It pains me to do this, Tomoyo
thought, while reaching for the pillow next to her. Pillow in hand, she considered her next action carefully. Resigned to a course of action, Tomoyo
sighed, and whipped her pillow across the room, hitting Sakura full in the
face, ending the incessant mantra.
"Tomoyo!" Sakura exclaimed, removing the projectile
from her face, "what did you do that for?"
"You haven't heard a thing I've said," her friend
responded.
Sakura considered Tomoyo's statement, and then
blushed, "O.K., perhaps I've reacted badly. But we were friends. Close,
even..."
"Exactly my point," Tomoyo replied, "and Syaoran is
guilty of the same thing. And when he
recognized us? 'Sakura and Tomoyo, here
in Japan. Huh. Imagine that…' We LIVE in Japan. Is THAT supposed to be some great revelation? Where else was he expecting us to be?"
"You're
right," Sakura whispered, "except he called me Kinomoto-san…he called me
Kinomoto-san..." Her hands crept toward her pillow.
"Sakura!" Tomyo said in a sharp tone, then noting
her friend's hurt expression, stopped her retort. Stepping over the beanbag, she kneeled in front of her friend.
Taking Sakura's hands, she looked her best friend in the eyes. "Sakura," she said gently, "Li has been gone
for five years. The girl he knew has
changed, grown up. So for now, in his
mind, you are Kinomoto-san."
Looking at her friend's concerned face, Sakura knew
Tomoyo was right. Time and distance had
made them strangers. She let go of her
hands, climbed out of the bean bag, and took a deep breath, striving to push
away the feeling of loss that was settling hard and cold in her chest. Sakura then walked with purpose over to her
mirror. Grabbing a brush, she began
stroking her hair.
"Sakura?" Tomoyo asked, "You're planning something."
"Oh, yes," Sakura answered, "on how I and a young
man are going to be reacquainted." Tomoyo laughed and walked over to the bed. On the desk, she noticed the reappearance of the beach picture.
"I thought you put this away," Tomoyo queried.
"I changed my mind," Sakura answered, not pausing to
look back, "woman's prerogative."
***
Syaoran strode across the campus to his first class,
though school was the last thing on his mind. O.K., thought Syaoran. So I
panicked and made a few inane comments? The students around him narrowly missed being run over. Syaoran continued with his introspection,
unperturbed. I knew they were in Japan,
but what were the chances Sakura and Tomoyo would be in my high school? "Gotta stop punishing myself," he muttered,
entering his Oil Painting class, "so we go to the same high school--"
Li!" a girl's voice called. Syaoran
turned around, and saw two girls waving to him. Same class! This just keeps getting better, he thought as he
reluctantly walked over. Maybe the
punishments are only beginning, Syaoran pondered, as he offered them a smile.
"So," Syaoran inquired in a friendly
manner, "what are you ladies doing here?"
"Painting!" Sakura said brightly. Next to her, Tomoyo nodded enthusiastically
in agreement.
"Right," Syaoran agreed, looking around,
"that explains the brushes, canvas, and paint…sure."
"We were wondering," Sakura continued
nonchalantly, "if you needed any help unpacking, or setting up your new
apartment, or is there a roommate helping you?"
Syaoran thought furiously. "Well, umm."
"BOY!" the professor shouted,
shattering the moment, "are you harassing those girls…what I am saying, you're
a boy, of course you are…now get to your work!" Syaoran winced, looked at the girls, and gave a small wave. Then, he walked quickly to his stool,
thankful for the ironic reprieve the professor's interruption had given
him.
Nearby, Leiko whispered to Nami.
"Those girls are being very friendly with Li-san."
Nami appraised Sakura who appeared
somewhat irritated with the professor's actions. "Yes," Nami replied, "but the
day is young, and swim class has yet to begin."
"You wouldn't…" Leiko squealed in mock
horror.
"Oh yes, and enjoy it too," Nami said
smugly, while staring at Li, "let's see how well you really swim, boy."
Syaoran sat down in front of his canvas. His instructor walked over. "Li, you signed up for oil painting," his
professor began, "but before you start, you must understand ART." Syaoran sat patiently on his stool, watching
his instructor meander around. "See all
these brushes and paints?" he continued, gesturing, "you could have the
fanciest ones, but it wouldn't mean a thing. Why?" The lecturer pointed to
his temple and then to his heart. "This
is where art comes from, mind and soul. Now, don't get me wrong, it's important to know which end of the brush
to use, but overall, you can't have perspiration without inspiration." He handed Li a brush. "Find that thing inside which motivates you,
and paint it."
Syaoran took the brush. He looked at the canvas. That which motivates me has not changed since my family died, he
thought. My mind understood and my
heart has welcomed it, for revenge is calculating and cold. It has become everything: my purpose,
patience, and reason for being. It is a
comforting companion and source of resilient strength and resolve. Who would have thought it would bring me
back here?
***
Past
"What do you want?" a voice startled
Syaoran out of his studies. He looked
to the entrance of the library. The
spirit, now in human trappings, stood by the door. I can't believe he was summoned from the pond just hours ago,
Syaoran thought. He was the very image
of sages from times past. White hair
cascaded down his back, matched by a beard of similar length and texture. His robes were the color of the pond's murky
depths. He looks like flesh and bone,
Syaoran mused, but there's still an ethereal aura to him. So too, did the voice remain, a thousand
chimes adding to the inflection of each spoken word. How long had the old man been standing there? For that matter, how long have I been
reading?
"Could you be more specific," Syaoran
replied.
"The question is simple enough," the
old man continued, "you have come here for a reason. What do you want? Answer
this, for the training has already begun."
What do I want, Syaoran thought. Revenge burst forth, demanding its due. I want to know who killed my family. I want
them dead, so the hurt may end. Out
loud, he said, "I want to augment my skills and knowledge so I may find and
destroy my enemies."
"My name is Jin," the old man replied,
"and I will help you along the path. Do
realize, you still may fail, none the less, for what you desire, is not always
what you need."
***
Present
"Interesting!" the professor commented, startling
Syaoran out of his reverie. He
refocused on his canvas. A clearly
defined geometric pattern had been painted, and it was repeated over and over
again until the entire painting was filled, barring one exception. At the center of this undertaking, a
maelstrom of red, gold, and black brush strokes disrupted the unity. "A
dichotomy of order and chaos," the instructor continued, "one interpretation
could be that patterns require a primal essence to sustain them."
"Or, raw power must be contained by a
structured algorithm," Syaoran offered as a counterpoint. The professor looked
at his pupil, startled by the insight. This one is full of surprises, he thought. Properly done, both teacher and student learn something from the
educational process. This young man may
be that rare opportunity. He smiled to
himself, and then pasted a scowl across his countenance.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" the
professor growled, "the period is almost over, so start putting your stuff
away. And tomorrow, I want you to get
back to work touching up this piece, for there are still fine details yet to
add."
***
"So, what's on your mind?" Tomoyo asked, as she
watched Sakura rapidly scan the lunchroom again, "looking for someone, maybe?"
Sakura gave up her search with a
huff. "Doesn't he have to eat?" she
said in exasperation.
"Perhaps he's found alternative
accommodations?" Tomoyo ventured.
"Such as?" Sakura replied.
"Well, there are many places, if you
bring your own food," Tomoyo answered, "the library, one of the classrooms, or
on a nice September day like today, outside under a tree. "Oh," Tomoyo continued, "there is also that
remote possibility someone may have invited him to a more secluded area."
"Because?" Sakura said with a blank
look.
"A number of reasons," her friend
responded, "Li's new at school and from a foreign country, and who wouldn't
mind making sure he feels welcome, what with the added bonus that he's gorgeous
and apparently unattached?"
"Really?" Sakura said, shocked at the
apparent notion.
"Sakura," Tomoyo said gently, while
patting her on the shoulder, "inviting a guy to share a lunch you've prepared
has been a time honored man-trapping technique." With that, she looked down at her lunch box and selected a sweet
Inari roll. "So what's all the…" she
continued, though her voice trailed off as she watched Sakura quickly repack
her lunch and grab her bag.
Turning to Tomoyo, she said, "let's
go, I'm not that hungry anymore." Tomoyo looked at her best friend and wordlessly gathered her stuff. The two girls rapidly departed the
cafeteria.
In the hallway, while trying to match
Sakura's pace, Tomoyo inquired, "Um, where are we going?"
"We're going to look for Li," Sakura
whispered.
"Because?" Tomoyo asked.
"We didn't get to finish our
conversation in art class," Sakura answered. "Plus, he shouldn't be left alone. It's for his own protection, you know."
"I see," Tomoyo commented, smiling to
herself.
"After all, what does a guy know about
setting up his own apartment?" Sakura explained.
"True," Tomoyo agreed, "usually his
wife or girlfriend takes care of that."
"Exactly," Sakura concurred. When her brain caught up with her mouth, she
came an abrupt halt. Looking at Tomoyo,
she said, "That didn't come out right. What I meant was…"
"You're just concerned about Li
getting off to a good start," Tomoyo interjected, "and if left alone, someone
might take advantage of his situation."
"I couldn't have said it better
myself," Sakura remarked, "we're his friends; we owe it to him." With that, she started walking again. Tomoyo followed, quite amused.
***
"Well Sakura, I can now say I've seen every tree and
empty classroom at school," Tomoyo declared, "we have the last period free, as
always. Hmm, I wonder what we'll do
with all that free time?"
"So many places to hide, so little
time," Sakura offered as a condolence, "we'll locate Li after school. Let's use this period to have a snack and do
some homework. Shall we go to the library?" Tomoyo nodded in approval. As they headed to their goal, a familiar
figure came around the corner, jogging toward them.
"Li-san, you're in a hurry. Is everything ok?" Tomoyo asked.
"Yes Daidouji-san," Syaoran said
slowing his pace as he approached. "I
just have to make sure I make mandatory swim class on time. Our teacher says she has something special
planned for today. Have to go, can't
afford to be late. Bye."
Sakura and Tomoyo watched Syaoran run
down the hallway, veering into the right corridor at the end. "Isn't that class taught by student
lifeguards?" Tomoyo asked, looking at her friend. The girls looked at each other, replaying the events of the last
couple of days. "Nami!" they shouted,
coming to the same conclusion. Forewarned, the girls raced down the hallway towards the swimming pool.
The pool was a source of school
pride. It met Olympic caliber
specifications and was faithfully maintained by coaches and trainers who
practically worshipped the water. Perched in the lifeguard chair above, Nami sat, surveying her
domain. Swimmers were doing practice
laps in all the lanes, but she was looking for a particular individual. Finally, the object of her search was
found. Syaoran cut crisply through the
water, covering the length of the pool effortlessly. He has the technique, Nami discerned, but does he have the
stamina? Hope not… and with that
thought, she smiled and stood up to get the attention of the swimmers, and
inadvertently, the ire of some bystanders as well.
"Is that swimsuit within regulation?"
Sakura hissed to her colleague.
"I don't know," Tomoyo answered, "but
I can tell that outfit's custom made to flatter." Tomoyo gazed about the bleachers. She and Sakura were surrounded by Nami's fan club: the male
students who had this period free. Turning to Sakura, she said, "Li looks pretty comfortable in the
water. He was already in the pool by
the time we got here, and he hasn't stopped for a moment."
"He's always been good at sports,
regardless of the environment," Sakura said, "you know, I don't think he even
considered the possibility of being second best."
"Well, he's learned what being second
best is like from you, if not anyone else," Tomoyo replied, "remember when he
showed up, descendant of the magician, Clow Reed, who made your cards,
demanding you stand aside, while he took over the quest."
"I remember," said Sakura, thinking
back to that time, "but to say he was second string to me, that's harsh."
"And who captured all the Clow cards,
"Tomoyo pressed, "then, using her own raw power initiated their transmutation
into Sakura cards, thus harnessing your untold magical potential?"
"Li can do cute ofuda spells…" Sakura
said, defensively.
"Spell charged pieces of paper pale in
comparison to the Cards," Tomoyo started to reply.
"Swimmers," Nami announced, and then
waited for the message to disseminate, "we will now test you, to determine your
initial baseline performance. From
this, you will be able to judge how much you have improved over the
semester. We want your best effort, so
don't worry about fatigue or cramps. Lifeguards, including myself, will be monitoring the test, in case
anyone gets into trouble. We are your
safety net, to offer aid and assistance, so don't hold back." A cocky spirit infected the swimmers as
caution was thrown to the wind.
"I don't recall an initial performance
assessment, do you?" Sakura said. Tomoyo shook her head, just as puzzled. They watched as the Syaoran shifted to the side of the pool for Group
One. Within minutes, two groups had
completely formed, each with its respective half of the pool.
"There will be two events," Nami began, "treading
water for fifteen minutes and a timed five hundred meter swim, any stroke. Anyone who has not finished the swim after
fifteen minutes has elapsed should stop, and move over to the treading water
trial. There will be a two minute break
in between to allow participants to change sides."
"Maybe this is the swim team tryout?"
Sakura asked Tomoyo.
"Group One will start with the swim,"
Nami continued, "Group Two will start the floatation exercise." Much splashing occurred as the swimmers got
into position.
"Alright, BEGIN!" another lifeguard shouted. Tomoyo and Sakura watched the first group
swim lap after lap. Syaoran, in the
middle of the group, maintained a steady pace. He completed his laps, and then watched over the many still
swimming. Over in Group Two, a couple
of participants had already been eliminated, mainly due to cramps. Finally, the time period elapsed, punctuated
by several shrill whistle blasts.
"Everyone shift NOW!" Nami yelled. Syaoran swam to the deep end that had been
vacated by the previous group. With no
other options available, he began to tread water, as he waited for the official
start. After another minute, phase two
began. Nami watched with interest as
the students, tired from their lengthy swim, struggled to stay afloat. The fast swim uses up short-term energy
reserves, Nami thought, leaving little for an endurance exercise. The Li boy won't be able to keep this
up. She smiled.
After a few minutes, that which was expected, had
occurred. Lifeguards were already
rescuing the weaker swimmers. Syaoran
looked about, shaking his head. What is
this lifeguard thinking, driving these novice swimmers to the point of
exhaustion, he thought. If she's not
careful, someone's going to get hurt. Suddenly, high up above, a long tearing crack was heard. The bleacher crowd watched on in shock,
unable to act as the mishap unfolded. Several large championship pennants from years past were suspended from
a heavy wooden pole. The entire
construct was attached to the ceiling no longer, having ripped loose of its
moorings. An eerie stillness, seldom
found outside impending doom, was felt by all. In the moments that followed, the pole slowly fell toward the pool,
striking the water, while the heavy pennants covered many of the swimmers. Shouts from the onlookers and cries from the
pool permeated the air. Every
lifeguard, including Nami, dived in to rescue the exhausted swimmers trapped
under the heavy decoration. Yet, it
wasn't enough. Two girls struggled
under the center of the canvas, their screams cut short as they went under for
a second time. Syaoran saw this, and
looked to the only other unaffected swimmer left in his group. The young man had a smirk as he surveyed the
chaotic scene.
"Everyone else is tied up, it's just you and
me. Get the girl on the left, if you
can," Syaoran said to him.
"Done," the other replied, disappearing under the
water. Syaoran saw his target briefly
surface again, before sinking, her splashes becoming weaker and weaker. Closing the distance, he dove below the
water and grabbed the frantic female, who still flailed with hysterics. Pulling the girl close, he used powerful
kicks and a strong one-handed stroke to drag her to the shallow area. Once
there, they broke the water's surface. Planting his feet, Syaoran stood up, lifting her, gasping and sputtering
half out the water. Barely standing,
her body shaking from the shock, the young woman wrapped herself around the
nearest solid support. When the shaking
had ceased, it still took a whole minute to remove her arms from Syaoran's neck
and untangle her legs from his waist. He then gently placed her on the pool edge.
Looking to his left, Syaoran noted his compatriot
has succeeded in rescuing the other swimmer. The young man was out of the pool, standing over the other female
swimmer who was still fighting the dry heaves. Many of other participants who had recovered walked over to lend
support. Among the throng, Nami
appeared.
"Saburo," Nami yelled, "thank you for a job well
done. You saved this girl's life. You will be one of the swim leaders." Turning to Syaoran, she continued, "and you,
Li-san, what a marvelous job! Have you
considered joining our lifeguard crew?"
Syaoran placed both hands on the pool ledge, and
with one smooth motion, he hoisted himself onto deck. As he walked towards her, Nami's gaze lingered over toned muscles
that moved with orchestrated grace. Her
eyes met his, and she inadvertently took a half step back, unconsciously
distancing herself from the powerful stare. Nami then looked downward in apparent shyness, all but a veiled excuse
to watch the water drip off Syaoran's chest and arms. Maybe next time you can save me, she thought, enjoying the view.
"Teach them to swim instead of drown," he said,
interrupting her inspection, "and I'm happy to assist." With that, Syaoran walked off
to the locker room, muttering under his breath, "Nobody dies while I'm around."
End of Chapter Two